35mm 2.0 or 85mm 1.8?

[sjp010]

I don't have any lens advice but I love your picture of J Mascis. I hope you had your earplugs in if you were that close!

[gbc]

Thanks. I actually JUST ordered the 85 1.8.


You'd think that after spending so much money on camera equipment, I'd spend a few dollars on some earplugs. Alas, my ears were ringing for days after the Dinosaur Jr show. Loudest show I've ever seen in my whole life. At one point I actually thought I'd throw up from the vibrations.

[sjp010]

I have my eye on an 85/1.8 as well - I've got a 40D, 50/1.8, and a Sigma 18-50/2.8 Macro. There are times I need a little more reach, and I love using the 50/1.8, so the 85 seems like the obvious fit.


I love Dino Jr, but kind of dislike how loud they insist on playing live. It's one of their calling cards, but it covers up their musicianship, which is at a high level. Mascis is a flat-out great guitarist, but live you can barely hear the notes and chords he is playing over the onslaught of distortion and sheer volume.

[gbc]

Yeah, I had the same thought on the 85 1.8. I almost exclusively use my 50mm 1.8 at shows, and the 85 will come in handy when I can't get as close.


And agreed on Dinosaur Jr. Great band, but just too damn load. Maybe I'm just too old now. But I knew I was in trouble when I was standing right up front, in front of his six Marshalls, and then the roadies turned half of the monitors out toward the crowd as well. It was only later, when hanging out with a friend backstage, that Dino Jr sounded normal. Through three walls.

[hutchisonb]

I've used the 35mm and own the 85mm, which is one of my favorites. Some great points already made here, but I just wanted to chime in... the 85mm will give you more flexibility for being further back from the stage, and focuses much faster. The 35mm will hunt for AF, the 85mm always locks in for me.